Jamaican McLeod through to Pool Open last four

For McLeod, who has represented the West Indian island at international level, is poised to go one better than last year when he was beaten in the Open's final by Pete Wright.

This time, he is through to the last four again after back-to-back victories against two former champions, Lee Howitt and Bayden Jackson.

After knocking out 1997 winner Howitt in a delayed Fourth Round tie, McLeod pipped 2003 champ Jackson in a thrilling quarter-final that went to the wire.

Jackson, who defeated holder Wright in the previous round, looked in control when sailing into leads of 2-0 and 3-1. But McLeod roared back to level at 3-3 and then edge in front at 5-4.

Jackson squared it up again at 5-5 – and once more at 6-6 after the Jamaican had got his nose in front.

But the deciding 13th leg went the way of McLeod to book his place in the semis, which take place a week tomorrow (Saturday December 23), along with the final, at the tournament's headquarters, the Empire Social Club in Hucknall.

He is joined in the last four by one previous champion, Liam Stanley, who took the title in 2000, plus a couple of new names, Chris Rigby and Neil Jones.

Stanley, who was also beaten in the 2002 final by Wright, defeated Hucknall's Craig Stonley 7-4 in his quarter-final. After taking the opening two legs, he always looked in control and the closest Stonley came to upsetting him was when cutting the deficit to 4-3.

Rigby also triumphed 7-4 – against Andy Brooke in a tie in which both players registered eight-ball clearances. Only at 2-2 and 3-4 did Brooke sense a chance.

Jones romped home against Malc Grocock, who has been one of Hucknall's most consistent players for many years. After storming into a 4-0 lead, he wrapped it up at 7-2.

A prize of 500 awaits the winner of the championship with 250 for the runner-up, 75 for each of the losing semi-finalists and 25 for each of the losing quarter-finalists.

Tomorrow it's the turn of the youngsters when the Junior Pool Open is held at the Empire. It is open to 16-year-olds and under with free entry and a trophy, plus a cue, donated by MJ's Cafe of Derbyshire Lane, Hucknall, going to the champion.

The final will be played a week tomorrow, in between the senior semi-finals and final.

QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS

Gary McLeod 7 Bayden Jackson 6, Liam Stanley 7 Craig Stonley 4, Chris Rigby 7 Andy Brooke 4, Neil Jones 7 Malc Grocock 2.